Water surface skimmer with check valve

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a skimmer device for use on the surface of a body of water. The skimmer is actuated by a vacuum source to promote a flow of a lighter than water coating material floating at the water&#39;&#39;s surface, through the skimmer by way of a submerged inlet. Valve means provided in the skimmer is so positioned to assure unidirectional flow through the skimmer to maintain the integrity of the vacuum source even though the skimmer be inadvertently raised from the water such that air would otherwise enter the vacuum system, and cause fluids to drain.

Unite States Pogonowski atent 51 Sept. 26, 1972 [72] Inventor: Ivo C.Pogonowslki, Houston, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Texaco Inc., New York, NY.

[22] Filed: June 25, I971 [21] Appl. No.: 156,739

[52] US. Cl ..210/242, 2l0/DIG. 21 [5 l] Int. Cl. ..C02b 9/02 [58] Fieldof Search ..210/242, 83, DIG. 2i

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,330,508 9/1943 McColl..ZIO/DIG. 21

Primary Examiner-Reuben Friedman Assistant ExaminerT. A. GrangerAttorney-Thomas H. Whaley et al.

[5 7 ABSTRACT The invention relates to a skimmer device for use on thesurface of a body of water. The skimmer is actuated by a vacuum sourceto promote a flow of a lighter than water coating material floating atthe waters surface, through the skimmer by way of a submerged inlet.Valve means provided in the skimmer is so positioned to assureunidirectional flow through the skimmer to maintain the integrity of thevacuum source even though the skimmer be inadvertently raised from thewater such that air would otherwise enter the vacuum system, and causefluids to drain.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures WATER SURFACE SKIMMER WITH CHECK VALVEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The inadvertent or accidental deposit offloating materials, whether liquid or solid, onto a water's surfaceposes a constant pollution threat to much of the worlds tidelands andwaterways. Considerable effort has been devoted toward providing meansfor not only avoiding such pollution, but toward the subsequent rapidand efficient cleaning up operation after the polluting material hasbeen turned loose.

In the instance of the petroleum industry, many schemes, devices andprocesses have been tested and provided toward efficiently removing theupper floating surface from a body of water upon which an oil slick hasbeen inadvertently formed. Such a slick can result from anuncontrollably flowing well, a ruptured ship, or a damaged storage meanswhich permit the uncontrolled escape of the lighter than water petroleumbase fluid. The latter, within the meaning of the instant invention caninclude crude or refined oil, as well as other forms of petroleumproducts.

The depth of such an oil slick or layer can vary, depending on therapidity of its deposition on the waters surface, upon the viscosity ofthe fluid, and upon general weather conditions. In either instance, thelayer will tend to spread and form a thinner film, covering however agreater area and thereby becoming a greater polluting threat.

One of the most promising means of cleaning up such spills subsequent totheir occurrence is to attempt to remove or skim the thin upper surfaceconsisting of only the water coating elements, and minimize the amountof water actually removed. It is appreciated however that it will be avirtual impossibility to remove a microfilm of oil from a body of waterwithout simultaneously removing substantial quantities of water itself.Thus, the means normally resorted to is to remove by a skimmerarrangement, a quantity of both the oil and the water, and to thereafterseparate the two in some processing system.

Regardless of the particular system utilized for gathering a slick ofoil coated water, one detriment toward minimizing the effectiveness ofthe system is the roughness or turbulence of the water. While the layerof oil on the waters surface will tend to in general calm the latter,under the influence of high winds and turbulent seas, the water eventhough coated, will nonetheless be disturbed. Thus, it can beappreciated that under such circumstances, where the coated water hasbeen driven into a turbulent or choppy condition, any form of skimmingdevice will be tossed about. The skimmer will be forced above or belowthe water depending on its weight whereby to minimize the collectorskimmers effectiveness.

One means found to be relatively efficient in powering a water skimmingdevice consists of a basically vacuum actuated system. Such a systemfunctions on the principal that if one maintains a sufficiently greatvacuum at one end of a collector tube or nozzle, as the latter isbrought into contact with the waters surface a limited amount of watertogether with the undesirable coating fluid will be drawn into thesystem. Thereafter, the collected liquid can be separated by gravity orotherwise, the water returned to its source and the polluting matter oroil separately collected for further use or disposal.

One such vacuum actuated water skimmer system is disclosed by applicantin a co-pending application Ser. No. 102,814, dated Dec. 30, 1970,entitled Oil Skimmer Apparatus and Method". The latter system comprisesin essence a central collecting tank which is communicated with. asource of vacuum. The tank is further communicated through a collectorwith the waters surface whereby some water, and the coating material,will be carried into the collecting tank. Thereafter, by a-gravityseparation of water from the lighter coating material, a degree ofvacuum can be maintained in the tank whereby the system tends tovperpetuate itself. Periodically the oil is removed from the collectingtank and stored or otherwise disposed of.

Toward improving the performance of applicants above noted system, thepresent water skimmer or sweeper nozzle is provided, being operable tomaintain itself at the waters surface for collecting both water and oilthrough a main opening. In the instance where the turbulence of thesurface is such as to disturb the normal static position of the waterskimmer the latter is provided with check valve means operable inresponse to the vertical movement of the skimmer. Thus, said check valveis automatically operated as the skimmer is inadvertently urged to aposition above the waters surface where it would ordinarily permit airto be drawn into the vacuum system through the inlet means. Said checkvalve further communicates the skimmer with a source of water through analternate set of supplementary openings whereby to in effect maintainthe flow of liquid into the skimmer and preclude entrance of air to thelatter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a vacuum system adapted for sweeping asurface of a body of water whereby to collect both water and a surfacecoating material.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a water borne barge or vessel embodyingthe system shown in FIG. 1 together with conduit means which extendsfrom the vessel into the water, and carries a skimmer at the remote endthereof.

FIG. 3, and also FIG. 5, is an enlarged segmentary view in crosssection, of the skimmer portion of the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the water skimmer shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 1, the vacuum system under which the instant skimmerpreferably although not exclusively functions, includes a collectingtank 10 which is normally carried on a vessel 11 or other floatablecraft as shown in FIG. 2. Collecting tank 10 is communicated through aconduit 12 having a valve 13 therein, with a source of vacuum 14 such asone or more vacuum pumps. Said collecting tank 10 is further provided atthe lower end with a discharge conduit 16 whereby water collected intank 10 can be passed therefrom at a regulated rate through manipulationof a discharge valve 17.

Under normal operating conditions a vacuum will be maintained incollecting tank 10 such that the upper end thereof will be maintained ata relatively constant reduced pressure. Tank will while operating,collect both water and a coating material such as oil by way of aconduit 18 communicated with the tank. Said conduit is illustrative withrespect to the present system and can be embodied in a plurality ofconduits all of which are communicated with and depend from collectingtank 10 such that the latter will be provided with fluid from a numberof sources.

Each conduit 18 however is provided at the remote end thereof withawater skimming device or sweeper nozzle 21 to admit a stream of water aswell as the water coating liquid. Water, and the lesser densitymaterial, such as oil, are carried into collector tank 10. By virtue ofone or more phases of separation the lighter than liquid oil will tendto float to the top of the body of water accumulated in tank. 10.

As mentionedabove, collected water is discharged through the conduit 16at a regulated rate. This rate will be in accordance with, and tosustain the degree of vacuum maintained in the tank 10 upper end, andwith the rapidity of the incoming flow of fluid through the one or moresweepers 21 at the water level.

As the water level is lowered in tank 10, there will be a continuedincrease in the amount of oil collected in said tank. Therefore, thelatter is periodically drawn I from the collecting tank through amanifolding system illustrated by the manifold pipe 22 having aplurality of inlet valves 23 connected thereto whereby oil may be drawnfrom the collecting tank at a desired level. Tapped off oil will beaccumulated in a storage vessel, which can be a separate tank, barge orany other repository suitable to holding a quantity of the lighter thanwater fluid.

Referring to FIG. 3, water skimmer 21 is shown floatably positioned atthe waters surface to receive a flow of water and oil by way of theskimmer inlet 24. It is appreciated thatskimmer 21 at the conduit 18lower end is representative of a number of such skimmer units. Thelatter are segmented and cooperatively disposed adjacent to each otheras to sweep a predetermined front as vessel 11 is moved into an oilslick, or as the slick moves toward the skimmer assembly.

Toward clarification of the instant description, it will suffice to saythat a number of similar such sweeper or skimmer units in essence areconnectable into a skimmer assembly. This is true regardless of thenumber of such units employed and their relative disposition withrespect to each other and with respect to the vessel 11.

Referring again to FIG. 3, skimmer unit 21 comprises an elongated, rigidcasing 26, normally formed of a metallic material such as sheet metalwhich defines a general arcuate lower surface 27. The upper side of thecasing is open and provided with a main float mechanism 28 hereillustrated in a generally cylindrical cross section. Float 28 isfixedly positioned with respect to the skimmer and within casing 26 todefine a liquid flow passage 29 at the float underside. Said passagewill be generally arcuate in configuration between the float walls, andthe inner wall of said casing 26. Casing 26 is further provided with anexhaust port 31 having a flange 32. The latter is adapted to removablyconnect to conduit 18 by way of a similar flange 33 together withbolting means and sufficient sealing gaskets disposed between therespective flanges to provide an air tight connection.

Inlet 24 to skimmer 21 defines a generally elongated opening lying in ahorizontal plane and formed by the side wall of float 28, which isspaced from the upper rim 35 of casing 26. Said inlet 24 is rectangularin shape and receives a constant stream of water and oil. As shown inFIG. 3, the normal disposition of skimmer 21 with respect to the water'ssurface is adjusted such that skimmer inlet 24 is slightly below thewater's surface and preferably arranged to admit a minimum quantity ofwater in contrast to the amount of oil.

Toward maintaining the fixed position of skimmer 21 with respect to thewater's surface, the skimmer can be provided with supplementary supportmeans as shown in FIG. 2. The latter can consist for example of springbiased support cables or arms 34 which depend from vessel 11. In anyevent, the preferred position of skimmer 21 is such that inlet 24 issubmerged immediately adjacent the waters surface and will consequentlypermit a continuous flow of water into said inlet. The liquid flow isthereafter directed through underpassage 29 and thence into the conduit18 and up to the main collector tank 10.

As above mentioned, occasion will arise during operation of the skimmerapparatus when, in accordance with the weather and other operatingconditions, the skimmer will be forced from its preferred position.Thus, inlet 24 will be raised beyond the waters surface. Ordinarilyunder such circumstances, air rather than water entering inlet 24, willcause a diminution of the degree of vacuum in the system therebyimpairing or lessening the integrity of the latter.

Toward overcoming any propensity of the skimmer to decrease the vacuum seffectiveness through such air leakage, skimmer 21 is provided withvalve means which is automatically operable to maintain a flow of waterand oil into liquid passage 29, even though the skimmer itself is beyondthe waters surface.

Skimmer 21 is thus provided with a check valve arrangement comprising aflapper plate 36 which is hingedly connected through an elongated hingejoint 37 with a generally horizontally projecting actuator 38 dependingfrom the skimmers forward side. Said valve member comprises thegenerally arcuate flapper plate 36, which conforms substantially incontour to the arcuate configuration of the inner wall of casing 26.

The forward wall of the latter as shown in FIG. 4, is provided with aplurality of discretely positioned supplementary openings 39. Saidopenings 39 are formed in the lower wall of the casing wall, andnormally beneath the waters surface. The openings thereby provide analternate inlet for water normally contacting the casing 26 outersurface. However, an influx of water through supplementary openings 39occurs only at such time as flapper plate 36 is displaced from itsnormal position contiguous with the casing 26 inner wall. In said normalposition, the flapper 36 will substantially cover the respectivesupplementary openings 39 and preclude flow therethrough.

Toward promoting efficiency of liquid flow control through said openings39, the latter can be provided individually or cooperatively withgasketing means. The latter will comprise a resilient sealing memberdisposed about each opening, or a gasket carried at the periphery of theflapper plate 36 whereby to form a fluid tight engagement with the innersurface of casing 26 wall when the flapper plate 36 is urged into aclosed position.

While flapper plate 36 and the contiguous casing well portion are shownin the instant figures as being generally arcuate in configuration theexact contour is of course of a relatively minor nature. The casing wallmay for example be flat, or even of an appropriate curvature which wouldpermit the desired supplementary flow into the fluid flow chamber at theproper time.

The actuator mechanism 38 functions .such that flapper plate 36 can beeither held in its closed position against the respective supplementaryopenings 39, or displaced from the latter. Said flapper plate 36 is thusprovided with an outwardly extending arm which in turn supportablycarries float actuator 38.

The latter comprises essentially a buoyant element whereby to normallystabilize the position of flapper plate 36. Since actuator 38 is atleast partially buoyant, it is responsive to variations in the waterlevel caused by waves, and the like. Thus, since in its normal operatingposition actuator 38 is submerged, it exerts an upward torque throughhinge 37, on the entire flapper plate 36, the latter is urged into itsclosed position.

Said actuator 38, while being buoyant, is further provided with a curvedupper surface defined by a top plate 41. Said plate connects with lowerplate 42 along a forward bead, and terminates to the rear adjacent hinge37. A preferred configuration of said top plate is such that the latterdefines an aerodynamic surface possessing curvature characteristics.Thus, a rapid flow of water and oil passing across the actuator uppersurface, and prior to entering the skimmer inlet 24, will create asufficient lifting force across said surface that actuator 38 will beurged into an upward disposition.

In contrast, as actuator 38 is raised to clear the waters surface due tothe skimmer rising thereabove, passage of liquid across the actuator topplate 41 will terminate. The uplift force at said plate upper surfacewill thereby be reduced to zero. Concurrently, the buoyant effect ofactuator 38 is reduced such that the latter will fall. Plate 36 will bethereby displaced to fully expose supplementary openings 39 along thecasing 26 forward wall.

In such a condition, the water will enter the supplementary openings toin effect maintain the flow of liquid to fluid passage 29. Thissupplementary liquid introduction will preclude the entrance of anappreciable amount of air to the latter.

Other modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore setforth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof,and only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A water skimmer for removing a floating layer of liquid from thesurface of a body of water, said skimmer being communicated with avacuum source whereby to induce a flow of water and said floating liquidinto said skimmer, the latter comprising,

a. a casing defining a closed chamber having a main inlet opening forreceiving a stream of said water and floatin gl liquid, and a dischar eport communicated w1 said vacuum source 0 maintain said chamber at apressure less than atmospheric,

. support means engaging said skimmer to normally maintain said maininlet opening adjacent to and submerged immediately beneath the waterssurface, and

c. a means forming a supplementary opening in said casing at a pointlower in elevation than said main inlet opening to receive an inflow ofwater at such time as said main opening is elevated beyond the waterssurface.

2. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, including a displaceablevalve cover means adapted to form a closure across said supplementaryopening means to prevent passage of water therethrough, when said maininlet opening is disposed beneath the water's surface.

3. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; actuator meansengaging said cover means whereby to displace the latter from saidsupplementary opening and communicate said closed chamber with the bodyof water, when said main inlet opening is elevated beyond the waterssurface.

4. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 3, wherein said actuator meansis at least partially buoyant and positioned with respect to said casingto urge said cover means into sealing engagement with said supplementaryopening when said main inlet opening is disposed beneath the waterssurface.

5. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, wherein said means forminga supplementary opening in said casing includes; at least one porttransversing a forward wall of said casing thereby communicating saidclosed chamber with said body of water.

6. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, wherein said cover meansincludes; a flapper plate operably connected to said casing andextending into said closed chamber, being disposed contiguous with saidcasing wall, to form a closure across said supplementary openmg.

7. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; resilientsealing means disposed intermediate said cover means and saidsupplementary opening, to form a liquid seal therebetween when saidcover means is urged into a closed position across said supplementaryopening.

8. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, wherein said means forminga supplementary opening in said casing includes; a plurality of portsformed in the forward wall of said casing whereby to communicate saidclosed chamber with said body of water.

9. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 3, wherein said actuator meansincludes; a buoyant member pivotally carried on said casing andextending outwardly therefrom in the path of liquid entering said mainopening.

10. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 9, wherein said actuatormeans includes; a curved upper surface extending outwardly from saidmain opening whereby to contact a stream of liquid entering said mainopening.

1. A water skimmer for removing a floating layer of liquid from thesurface of a body of water, said skimmer being communicated with avacuum source whereby to induce a flow of water and said floating liquidinto said skimmer, the latter comprising, a. a casing defining a closedchamber having a main inlet opening for receiving a stream of said waterand floating liquid, and a discharge port communicated with said vacuumsource to maintain said chamber at a pressure less than atmospheric, b.support means engaging said skimmer to normally maintain said main inletopening adjacent to and submerged immediately beneath the water''ssurface, and c. a means forming a supplementary opening in said casingat a point lower in elevation than said main inlet opening to receive aninflow of water at such time as said main opening is elevated beyond thewater''s surface.
 2. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, includinga displaceable valve cover means adapted to form a closure across saidsupplementary opening means to prevent passage of water therethrough,when said main inlet opening is disposed beneath the water''s surface.3. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; actuator meansengaging said cover means whereby to displace the latter from saidsupplementary opening and communicate said closed chamber with the bodyof water, when said main inlet opening is elevated beyond the water''ssurface.
 4. In a water skimmer as defined in claim 3, wherein saidactuator means is at least partially buoyant and positioned with respectto said casing to urge said cover means into sealing engagement withsaid supplementary opening when said main inlet opening is disposedbeneath the water''s surface.
 5. In a water skimmer as defined in claim1, wherein said means forming a supplementary opening in said casingincludes; at least one port transversing a forward wall of said casingthereby communicating said closed chamber with said body of water.
 6. Ina water skimmer as defined in claim 2, wherein said cover meansincludes; a flapper plate operably connected to said casing andextending into said closed chamber, being disposed contiguous with saidcasing wall, to form a closure across said supplementary opening.
 7. Ina water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; resilient sealingmeans disposed intermediate said cover means and said supplementaryopening, to form a liquid seal therebetween when said cover means isurged into a closed position across said supplementary opening.
 8. In awater skimmer as defined in claim 1, wherein said means forming asupplementary opening in said casing includes; a plurality of portsformed in the forward wall of said casing whereby to communicate saidclosed chamber with said body of water.
 9. In a water skimmer as definedin claim 3, wherein said actuator means includes; a buoyant memberpivotally carried on said casing and extending outwardly therefrom inthe path of Liquid entering said main opening.
 10. In a water skimmer asdefined in claim 9, wherein said actuator means includes; a curved uppersurface extending outwardly from said main opening whereby to contact astream of liquid entering said main opening.